Annular Lane Pool with Central Pillar for Versatile Swimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional inflatable pools lack functionality for user entry and exit and do not provide adequate dry surfaces for personal items, limiting their use beyond swimming.
Innovation Solution
A pool design featuring a main pool body with an annular lane created by a central pillar and a flow generating device, allowing for separate pool areas, platforms, or storage within the pool, and a circulating water flow, enhancing functionality and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional inflatable pool is used, then it is simple to set up and use, but it lacks functionality for user entry and exit and does not provide adequate dry surfaces for personal items
Solution Approach 1:
The pool is divided into multiple functional zones: an outer pool body for swimming, a central pillar structure for entry/exit and dry storage, and an annular lane for exercise swimming. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function while maintaining overall pool simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The central pillar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a structural support, creates a dry storage area for personal items, enables user entry and exit points, and defines the annular exercise lane. This multi-functionality increases pool versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a central pillar is added to create an annular lane, then separate swimming areas and storage platforms are enabled, but the pool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The central pillar structure is positioned within the outer pool body, creating a nested configuration where the pillar and its associated platforms are contained within the larger pool structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional areas to coexist without requiring separate structures
Solution Approach 2:
The central pillar extends vertically to create platforms at different heights, adding a vertical dimension to the pool design. This enables dry storage areas and entry/exit points at elevated levels, separating swimming areas from storage areas in the vertical dimension rather than requiring horizontal separation
3Productivity
If a flow generating device is added to create circulating water flow, then water circulation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow generating device is positioned to utilize the natural geometry of the annular lane and the pool's existing structure to create circulating flow. The device leverages the annular configuration to generate self-sustaining circulation patterns, reducing the need for complex control systems and multiple components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides a more versatile pool experience with separate swimming areas, storage for personal items, and a circulating water flow, improving user convenience and pool functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the pillar is connected to the bottom of the pool body by a connecting strap that couples a bottom surface of the pillar to the bottom of the pool body
Implementation Method 2
a flow generating device configured to drive the water to flow and cycle in one direction within the annular lane
Implementation Method 3
the pillar body is configured to float on a surface of water contained in the inner cavity under the action of buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A pool includes a main pool body defining an inner cavity, and a pillar within the inner cavity which cooperates with the main pool body to define an annular lane therebetween. The pillar provides the pool greater functionality that extends beyond the scope of the traditional pool, such as by enabling a separate pool, a platform, or other structures to coexist with the annular lane within the inner cavity. Further, a flow generating device may be provided to generate a circulating water flow within the pool that moves around the annular lane.